When you walk through the doors of Kiama’s Visitor Information Centre you notice two things: the warm, welcoming smiles of staff and volunteers and the heady scent of cinnamon and cedar.

The Christmas-themed aroma comes from candles and diffusers made by Kiama Candle Co, one of the 32 local suppliers that the centre supports. The smiles come from the team’s love of supporting both visitors and locals. 

So far this year more than 50,000 people have popped into the Visitor Information Centre, a gateway to the region’s iconic lighthouse and blowhole. Destination Kiama chair and Kiama councillor Matt Brown says it’s the state’s busiest Visitor Information Centre, outside of Sydney. 

Two years ago the centre, run by Visitor Services Co-ordinator Lauren Res, shifted its focus to stock more locally made products. Lauren and her team of 16 staff and volunteers have carefully curated a local corner, complete with a sign made by the Kiama Men’s Shed. Here you will find cards, paintings, candles, chocolate, t-shirts and a range of other beautifully crafted products from local suppliers.

“We’ve been working quite hard to support local businesses that cater to a tourism market but who make products that are also appealing to people who live in the region,” says Lauren.

The products match Kiama’s brand: village, coastal, boutique, beachy; and feature whales, pelicans and of course the lighthouse and blowhole.

“We have one local artist Joyce, who hand paints images of the lighthouse and blowhole onto crockery and they are really popular,” says Lauren. “Part of our push to support local suppliers is to also minimise our carbon footprint and plastic packaging.” 

Along with local products, the centre is also a wealth of local knowledge, with staff like Lauren and volunteer Anne Honey, a long-time community member, able to answer almost any questions thrown at them, except one.

“One of the most asked questions is ‘when does the blowhole work’,” laughs Anne. “Unfortunately I don’t have the answer to that one but I can help with most others.”

Staff are also frequently asked about Kiama’s most instagrammable photo opportunities.

“Jamberoo’s cabbage tree palms, Bombo Headland and Kiama’s rolling green hills are all popular spots for pictures,” says Lauren. “We have a wonderful team here at the Visitor Centre and if we don’t know the answer to something we know the people to contact to get the answer, except for the Blowhole question!”

Anne, who has volunteered at the centre for the past five years, says it is a “privilege to share how wonderful this place is”.  

“We are so lucky to have volunteers like Anne who have such a wealth of knowledge of this area,” says Cr Brown.

Back Row L to R: Cr Yasmin Tatrai, Cr Matt Brown, Sally Bursell Tourism & Events Manager at Kiama Council. Front Row L to R: Anne Honey, Lauren Res, Visitor Services Coordinator at Kiama Municipal Council

This Christmas people are encouraged to stop by the Kiama Visitor Information Centre for their last-minute gifts and support talented local artists and producers. If you need some inspiration here are the top picks from staff and volunteers at Kiama Visitors Information Centre and the team from Destination Kiama. Cr Brown’s favourite local products are the candles and diffusers made by fellow councillor Yasmin Tatrai. “I have about 10 of the candles and diffusers and love the Christmas Forest scent this time of year,” he says.

Kiama Council’s Tourism and Events Manager Sally Bursell is a big fan of the pottery from Gerringong’s Soul Clay studio.

Cr Tatrai says she’s “the ultimate consumer” and loves all things local. This year her hubby will find a calendar and t-shirt by local graphic designer Tiana Lichaa under the tree. Anne and Lauren are also big fans of Tiana’s t-shirts. 

“I love them,” says Anne. “They really personify Kiama, and aren't we lucky that we live in this beautiful part of the world and have the opportunity to support local businesses.”